My life these days is fuller than ever. See I didn’t write busy? That’s because I fill my life with moments that enrich me, nurture me and ‘fill’ me. One of those things is my charity work. Before breast cancer (bc) I had always done volunteer work, a little here and there, but nothing speaks to me the way my work with The Hospital Research Foundation does.
I’ve been fortunate to wear a few hats while volunteering with them, speaking, writing, raising awareness for Breast cancer, assisting in the ‘Under Our Roof’ project, Ambassador for ‘The Longest Table’ and now I’m on the road for the ‘Mercer Supercycle ride’.
Uhuh that’s right I’m mixing it up and ditching the housework hitting the road for a 1000 kilometre bike ride. A five star peloton structured, team based ride throughout picturesque rural South Australia. A ride that raises money and awareness for cancer patients from regional South Australia. Well, obviously I’m NOT riding a bike…obviously.
Nuh uh, my role is as a driver/navigator for the peloton. I will be behind the wheel of a Toyota 4WD with a trailer hitched on, a big rig for this chick who gets about town in a 2 seater MG convertible. Check it out…
My job is to keep the drivers safe. Making them aware of oncoming traffic, overtaking traffic and dickhead traffic. Hey guys, I know cyclists in the city can be a bit bloody annoying but seriously, when you see them on rural roads, don’t be a dick!
Give them space, show some patience, and help them reach their destination alive!
A few weeks ago we did a ‘training run with some of the riders and had a scary fifteen minutes when a rider came off on some gravel on a bend on a hill. Being in the rear car we pulled up alongside them with wheels on the road to keep them safe, our role was to slow the motorists and make them aware there was a situation ahead.
Sounds easy right? You’d think, but unfortunately several cars sped on through without slowing down…crazy!!
I sure hope we don’t encounter anyone like that this week. Again, don’t be a dick!
I’m looking forward to getting to know all the country bakeries riders who commit their bodies and time to such a worthwhile cause. I’ll be getting to know some a bit more personally than you would imagine, because part of my role is also to wash their gear every night. We’re staying in posh digs every night so surely I can get a laundry service, right? ?
We will also be stopping at some rural hospitals and schools for a chat, I hope they have scones because country baking is the actual best. Don’t you think?
Keep an eye out for updates, I’ll be posting pics on my Facebook and Instagram accounts. Hopefully I don’t overload yo all. If I do, please forgive me, because you know, it’s for a good cause and all.
Oh, and did I tell you the ‘funds raised’ tally is sitting on$444,346 WOWSERS! If you would like to donate then click HERE
People are bloody generous and bloody good!
The team left on Saturday but I needed to be home for my sons big birthday yesterday (read more here) so right now I’m on the road, with the huz who is driving me out to Truro to meet up with the crew. We’re meeting at a bakery so, day made ♥
I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and get started.
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
April 12, 2016 at 1:22 pmHow awesome! I think this would be my dream job because of the perfect trifecta – road tripping, volunteering and bakeries! There was a huge cycling event that finished at our hotel in Canberra at the weekend, raising money for the Children’s Hospital. these guys do great work! I’d much rather be in the car than on the bike! Looking forward to the updates! x
Jenni says
April 16, 2016 at 2:53 pmSammie you would be the perfect person for this volunteer gig:-)